Sac State student bound for prestigious music fest

Sacramento State trombone student Taylor Fong has received a full scholarship to attend the renowned Aspen Music Festival this summer.

To be held this year from Thursday, June 26, through Thursday, Aug. 14, the festival presents more than 300 musical events during its run.

Fong received a full scholarship of $3,550 plus a $3,550 housing fee, and will be one of more than 600 music students attending. “Attending a summer music festival is a hugely important event in a developing musician’s life,” Fong says. “The Aspen Music Festival is ranked as one of the more prestigious international camps in the U.S., along with Tanglewood in Boston.”

It’s a pretty immersive experience. Fong will perform in one of the festival’s four orchestras, attend weekly master classes, receive private lessons, work with music coaches and have the opportunity to watch the other concerts.

This won’t be the first experience with off-campus educational opportunities for Fong, a Sac State student since 2009. He took a yearlong hiatus in 2012 to study at a music conservatory in Trossingen, Germany.

He plans to graduate in fall, then pursue a master’s degree in bass trombone performance. “I’ve enjoyed the opportunities I’ve received studying with my trombone professor, Joel Elias,” Fong says. “Sac State has such friendly vibes all around campus, and that makes it much more of an enjoyable experience.”

For more information on the Aspen Music Festival, visit www.aspenmusicfestival.com. Information on Sac State’s Music Department programs is available at www.csus.edu/music or (916) 278-5191. For media assistance, call Sacramento State’s Public Affairs office at (916) 278-6156. – Craig Koscho